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Jimmy Williams
Iran launched at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens across the country, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The attack followed Israel’s recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Missiles streaked across the skies over Tel Aviv and other cities, while Israel’s aerial defense system responded in an effort to intercept the strikes. NBC News crews in Tel Aviv and Tyre, Lebanon, captured footage of the attack, with the sound of explosions heard across the region.
The IDF confirmed that no fatalities had been reported, though two people sustained minor injuries from shrapnel. Iran concluded its missile barrage roughly an hour after the attack began, with the country’s government claiming it was a defensive measure.
U.S. Assists Israel’s Defense
U.S. officials had warned earlier that Iran was preparing a missile strike against Israel. In response, President Joe Biden authorized U.S. military support to assist in defending Israel. “President Biden has authorized our military to assist in shooting down missiles targeting Israel,” a National Security Council spokesperson said.
In a collaborative effort, Jordan allowed U.S. forces to use its airspace to intercept missiles. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other senior officials held meetings with national security teams to monitor the situation and ensure U.S. personnel in the region were protected.
White House Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall emphasized Biden’s ongoing communication with Israeli leaders, including offering “anything Israel needs” for its defense. The U.S. has made it clear that any direct attack on Israel by Iran would have “severe consequences.”
A Retaliatory Strike for Nasrallah’s Death
The missile barrage from Iran came in retaliation for Israel’s targeted strike that killed Hassan Nasrallah, a prominent Hezbollah leader and longtime ally of Iran. Israel’s recent ground invasion of southern Lebanon and operations targeting Hezbollah leaders have inflamed tensions, drawing a strong response from Tehran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the missile strike, stating it was carried out in defense of Iranian interests and citizens. “This is just a glimpse of our capabilities,” Pezeshkian said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Do not engage in conflict with Iran.”
Impact of Escalating Conflict
The situation between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with Hezbollah firing rockets from Lebanon in solidarity with Hamas. The conflict, which began after Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, has displaced thousands on both sides of the Lebanese-Israeli border.
As Israel continues its military operations in southern Lebanon, fears of a broader regional conflict grow. The U.S. and its allies are closely monitoring the situation, with Biden reiterating the need for ceasefires and diplomatic resolutions to prevent further escalation.
